Chapter 185: Ascension to the Throne

Xu Yang gave a final glance at Xiao Wu, collapsed in despair, before the space behind him tore open. Without a word, he turned and stepped into the rift, vanishing from the Star Dou Forest.

Having absorbed the Titan Giant Ape's Spirit Ring and gained Gravity Control, Xu Yang's manipulation of gravitational force had reached its peak. He was now fully capable of warping space with black hole-level gravity—just like Di Tian in the original canon. Coupled with his space-traversing left leg bone, he had also achieved the ability to freely shift through space.

As for Da Ming, Xu Yang had only rendered him unconscious and severely wounded. And Xiao Wu? Xu Yang didn't care. The reason he had spared them was simple—100,000-year soul beasts were too rare to kill outright. It was far more valuable to save them for later, so that Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong could absorb their Spirit Rings when their cultivation was ready.

In any case, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was currently in his hands, and the Asura God Trial was also being inherited by him. In the future, without the two God position legacies, Tang San and Xiao Wu were utterly insignificant in his eyes. His only opponents were Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong, who were capable of becoming Gods.

"Second Trial of the Asura God: Reach the Spirit Douluo rank within one year.

Trial Complete. Asura Affinity +10%. Current total: 15%."

"Third Trial of the Asura God: To carry two God Positions, not only must one possess a God-level Nascent Soul, but also a God-level body.

Trial Requirement: Transform your body into a Divine Physique within two years."

Xu Yang glanced at the updated trials and couldn't help but scoff inwardly. This Asura God was really slacking. To others, this might be a difficult test, but for him? It was practically effortless. After all, the Water Dragon King Yue Jiang had records and methods carved into his dragon horns. For soul beasts, the process was called "Dragon Transofrmation", while for humans, it was "God Body."

The essence of the God Body lay in converting between energy and matter. As shown in the original story, after the Deep Sea Demon Whale King completed his half-step dragon transformation, his body had transformed into 90% pure energy—close to a God Body.

With such a body, things like regenerating limbs were trivial. And if the transformation was refined enough, even resurrection from a drop of blood wasn't impossible.

But first, Xu Yang needed to establish the Sun Kingdom, as well as its accompanying religious framework, to begin spreading and gathering Faith Power—a vital step toward creating his own God Position.

Using space traversal, he returned to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace and found Ning Fengzhi.

"Teacher, just as we discussed before—let's proceed. Let me establish the Sun Kingdom."

"Very well. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Ning Fengzhi nodded eagerly, turning to summon his subordinates and send word to Madam Ning in Skywater City, Ning Haiyan in Blazing Fire City, Dugu Bo in Godwind City, and Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong in Silvis City to return as quickly as possible.

...

Half a month later, the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace was bustling with excitement. Crowds lined the central avenue. Rows of knights stood rigidly on both sides, holding long lances and staring ahead with solemn expressions. The flower beds overflowed with vibrant blossoms, carefully arranged by floral masters.

Xu Yang wore a magnificent black robe, embroidered with nine golden Golden Crows, looking incredibly domineering.

He stood gallantly on the imperial palace's high platform, overlooking the lively scene. Behind him, Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong were also dressed splendidly, their demeanor graceful and elegant.

Beneath the high platform, five hundred direct disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stood on either side, respectfully gazing at Xu Yang.

He stepped forward. At that moment, nine golden light pillars pierced the clouds as a ten-foot-tall Three-Legged Golden Crow appeared behind him and nine scorching suns formed a star-ring pattern in the sky, radiating boundless golden-red divine light.

"Caw—!"

The Golden Crow cried out, its majestic and domineering voice resonating throughout Heaven Dou City. Everyone's eyes were focused on the tall and stalwart figure on the high platform, and their hearts were filled with conviction.

Below the high platform, five hundred direct disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan suddenly raised the pagodas simultaneously. Seven-colored radiant light soared into the sky, yet it could not hide the golden-red light surrounding Xu Yang, which made Xu Yang appear even more majestic.

"Caw—!"

The Golden Crow's illusory image suddenly spread its wings and soared across the sky. Nine scorching Suns projected an unusual trajectory in the air. The previously clear sky became even brighter, with tens of thousands of Sun Light piercing through the clouds and scattering, weaving a brilliant starmap on the imperial palace square.

Xu Yang raised his right hand, and the Sun Sacred Blade, glowing with a golden-red light, appeared in his palm. The moment the tip of the blade touched the ground, Spirit Masters within a hundred-mile radius of Heaven Dou City felt their hearts stop—their Martial Souls uncontrollably prostrated towards the Imperial Palace.

"Everyone—

The Spirit Hall has ruled through tyranny and slaughtered the Heaven Dou imperial family, causing the Heaven Dou Empire to split, wars to erupt everywhere, and the common people to suffer. I, Xu Yang, today will lead the former people of Heaven Dou to establish the nation with the reign title Sun Kingdom, to end this war, and to return peace and tranquility to the continent.

Xu Yang's voice, imbued with Godly might, resonated through the clouds. The golden-red domain rapidly expanded with his words, enveloping the entire Heaven Dou Imperial Palace in a blink of an eye. Everyone within the Imperial Palace instantly felt their bodies and minds purified.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Ning Fengzhi immediately took the lead, bowing deeply and shouting.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" With Ning Fengzhi leading, the remaining people in the Imperial Palace also bowed deeply and shouted continuously, their voices echoing throughout the Imperial Palace and even reaching Heaven Dou City.

News of Xu Yang's ascension to emperor quickly spread across the entire continent. Both the Spirit Empire and the Star Luo Empire sneered at Xu Yang's actions.

After all, being an emperor wasn't that easy; Bibi Dong only realized this after becoming the Spirit Empire's empress, finding it completely different from her previous role as Pope.

This was because an emperor had to manage far too many things, assessing every aspect and balancing the factions in court.

Just as news of Xu Yang establishing the Sun Kingdom spread across the continent, over in the Spirit Empire, Bibi Dong sneered upon hearing it.

"Just a brat trying to crown himself emperor. Overestimating his own abilities."

The Star Luo Emperor felt the same. Meanwhile, in the Third Prince's residence, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were both stunned by the news. They never expected Xu Yang to actually ascend the throne—which now meant they might eventually become enemies.

Yet neither of them had any confidence in facing him. They understood Xu Yang far too well, and were fully aware of how terrifying his strength truly was.

On Xu Yang's side, after proclaiming himself emperor, he immediately summoned his court officials. The very first institution he established was the Grand Secretariat (Cabinet). Although this world had positions similar to a Prime Minister, Xu Yang declared such a post unnecessary. The Grand Secretariat offered broader authority and a more systematic structure.

Next, he established the Grand Council of Military Affairs and the Censorate.

Everything was implemented according to the Qing Dynasty's system. Say what you will about the Qing, but its governmental structure stood at the pinnacle of feudal dynasties—arguably the most suited to this era.

Of course, Xu Yang didn't simply copy it wholesale. He eliminated all the structural weaknesses of the Qing system and incorporated many modern institutions as well.